A method and apparatus for power frequency resonant energy harvesting in a transformer in a power system

By collecting transformer power frequency resonant energy through a multi-tunnel rolling triboelectric nanogenerator with a cantilever beam structure, combined with energy management circuitry and a wireless transmission system, the shortcomings of traditional battery power supply methods are solved, enabling stable power supply and remote monitoring in complex environments, and improving the application effect of smart grids.

CN122073445APending Publication Date: 2026-05-22BEIJING INST OF NANOENERGY & NANOSYST +2
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
BEIJING INST OF NANOENERGY & NANOSYST
Filing Date
2024-11-20
Publication Date
2026-05-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, the traditional battery power supply method for monitoring equipment in the power system has problems such as poor environmental adaptability, frequent charging or battery replacement, and high maintenance costs. In particular, it is difficult to meet the requirements for long-term stable operation in remote areas or long-distance power transmission systems. Moreover, existing energy harvesting technologies such as solar cells and current transformers have size limitations or magnetic core saturation problems.

Method used

A multi-tunnel rolling triboelectric nanogenerator (RTENG) with a cantilever beam structure is used to collect power frequency resonant energy from a transformer. Combined with an energy management circuit, the energy conversion efficiency is improved by optimizing the frictional contact area and frictional force. A wireless transmission monitoring system is also developed, and a mobile phone detection APP for sensor nodes is developed using HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

Benefits of technology

It achieves continuous and stable operation in complex environments, improves energy harvesting efficiency and output stability, provides long-term stable power supply for sensor nodes, supports remote monitoring, and enhances the application prospects of smart grids.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a method and device for transformer power frequency resonance energy collection in a power system, designs a cantilever beam type multi-tunnel rolling type friction nanogenerator energy collection device, and can effectively collect vibration energy generated by transformer power frequency resonance in the power system. The collected energy is effectively stored, and then is used for power supply of a sensor node and real-time monitoring of an operation state of the transformer. This provides a new scheme for stable operation of a smart grid and maintenance of long-distance power transmission.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power systems, and more particularly to the application of transformer frequency resonant energy harvesting and transformer protection in power systems. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of smart grid technology, the demand for independent power supply for distributed energy collection and sensor nodes in power systems is also increasing. The stable operation of power systems depends on real-time monitoring of equipment and systems, and these monitoring devices typically require a stable and long-term power supply. Currently, most monitoring equipment in power systems uses traditional battery power, but this method presents many challenges, including poor environmental adaptability, frequent charging or battery replacement, and high maintenance costs. Especially in remote areas or long-distance power transmission systems, traditional battery power is insufficient to meet the requirements for long-term stable operation.

[0003] Energy harvesting technology, as an emerging solution, can convert environmental energy into electrical energy, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional battery power supply methods. It offers advantages such as no need for frequent battery replacements, strong environmental adaptability, and self-powering capabilities. Currently, energy harvesting technologies such as solar cells and current transformers are widely used in power systems. However, solar cell technology, limited by size and weight, struggles to meet the demands of smart grid systems for miniaturized, high-efficiency devices; while current transformer technology is prone to problems such as core saturation and load damage under high current conditions, limiting its application. Against this backdrop, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as a novel energy harvesting technology, can effectively convert vibrational energy into electrical energy.

[0004] In existing technologies, researchers have proposed TENG (Transmission Line Entrainment) schemes for harvesting vibration energy from power transmission lines and developed self-powered transmission line jogging sensors based on a combination of TENG and electromagnetic generators. Both schemes are based on TENG technology and aim to utilize vibration energy from power transmission or wind-induced vibration energy to provide energy support for power monitoring systems. While these technical solutions effectively address the issue of continuous power supply for power monitoring equipment, they still face some technical challenges, particularly in terms of environmental adaptability, output stability, and energy conversion efficiency.

[0005] Against this backdrop, the present invention designs an energy harvesting and data transmission system, which is particularly suitable for transformer monitoring in power systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides an energy harvesting and data transmission system, which is particularly suitable for transformer monitoring in power systems.

[0007] Transformers often experience power frequency resonance during operation, providing an opportunity for TENGs to harvest energy. TENGs possess advantages such as simple structure, high power density, and strong resistance to current surges, making them an ideal solution for powering distributed sensor nodes. To address the challenges in current TENG applications, this invention proposes a novel multi-tunnel rolling triboelectric nanogenerator (RTENG) for efficiently harvesting the kinetic energy generated by transformer power frequency resonance and providing a continuous and stable power supply to sensor nodes.

[0008] Existing traditional methods of power supply using chemical batteries, solar energy harvesting, and current transformers present challenges such as frequent charging, large device size, and core saturation. Current energy harvesting and sensor node power supply technologies in smart grid systems are developing towards greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. This is particularly significant for energy harvesting from transformer power frequency resonances in long-distance power transmission systems and for real-time monitoring of transformer operating status.

[0009] The technical problem solved by this invention is as follows:

[0010] 1. This invention proposes a multi-tunnel rolling triboelectric nanogenerator (RTENG) structure with a cantilever beam, aiming to solve the aforementioned technical problems by efficiently harvesting the kinetic energy generated by the power frequency resonance of a transformer. Specifically, the RTENG structure optimizes the frictional contact area and frictional force through a specially designed cantilever beam and multi-tunnel rolling mechanism, enabling the energy harvester to resonate with the transformer, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency.

[0011] 2. The present invention also improves the adaptability and durability of the device in complex environments by improving the selection of materials and structural design, enabling it to operate stably and continuously in the working environment of frequent transformer vibration, and providing a long-term stable power supply for sensor nodes.

[0012] 3. By combining energy management circuits, not only is the output stability problem of existing TENG technology solved, but the efficiency of energy harvesting is also improved, enabling its widespread application in practical applications, especially in smart grids and remote monitoring systems.

[0013] 4. A sensor node mobile phone detection system APP was developed using HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. The sensor node has the feature of wireless long-distance transmission and can transmit monitoring data to the LoRa communication module through serial communication. The uploaded data can be displayed and stored through the APP. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sliding cantilever beam structure;

[0016] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a multi-tunnel rolling TENG structure;

[0017] Figure 3 Here is a diagram illustrating the working mechanism of RTENG;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cantilever beam RTENG used for power frequency resonant energy harvesting;

[0019] Figure 5 The output electrical characteristics curve of RTENG at 50Hz;

[0020] Figure 6 The output voltage characteristic diagram of the energy management circuit;

[0021] Figure 7 For monitoring system interface. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the technical solutions of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments recorded in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the technical solutions of this application.

[0023] (1) Cantilever beam structure design

[0024] Cantilever beam structure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cantilever beam and its support are fixed on a sliding track. One end of the cantilever beam is fixed to the rear support 1 (non-sliding), while the other end hangs freely. The other support 2 can slide freely back and forth on the track to adjust the effective cantilever beam length. This device generates periodic displacement through vibrational interaction with the transformer. The cantilever beam vibrates under the excitation of the transformer's power frequency resonance, producing minute displacements and deformations, thereby triggering friction to achieve electrical energy harvesting and conversion.

[0025] (2) Multi-tunnel rolling friction mechanism

[0026] The TENG has four operating modes: vertical contact-separation mode, horizontal sliding mode, single-electrode mode, and independent layer mode. Among these, the single-electrode mode has attracted considerable attention due to its ability to more easily harvest mechanical energy. The device of this invention is used to harvest the kinetic energy generated by the power frequency resonance of a transformer in a power system, with a resonant frequency of approximately 50 Hz. In this case, contact-separation, horizontal sliding, and independent layer modes place higher demands on the structural and stability design of the device. Based on this, this invention designs a multi-tunnel rolling structure triboelectric nanogenerator (RTENG) that can effectively harvest the vibrational energy generated by the power frequency resonance of a transformer. Figure 2 As shown, the RTENG consists of three parts: upper and lower PCB plates plated with copper electrodes, PLA tunnel, and PTFE friction balls. The device has a size of 4×4×4cm3.

[0027] The working mechanism of RTENG is as follows Figure 3 As shown, during vibration, the PTFE spheres come into contact with the copper foils at both ends, causing charge movement and generating electrical energy (current). Initially (before the transformer operates), the device is in electrostatic equilibrium, and no charge transfer occurs. When the power frequency resonant energy harvester resonates with the transformer (at which point the RTENG output is at its maximum), the PTFE spheres in the tunnel begin to move. After the PTFE contacts the upper plate, free electrons begin to move through the external circuit. When the PTFE contacts the lower plate, the electrons move in the opposite direction, eventually returning to the initial state. The electrons are driven by electrostatic force to achieve electrostatic equilibrium. As the transformer continues to vibrate, the electrons undergo periodic motion.

[0028] (3) Cantilever beam RTENG

[0029] Power frequency resonance commonly occurs in transformers, transmission lines, and electronic power equipment, and can cause potential problems such as equipment failure, increased grid losses, overload, and power system instability. Therefore, in actual power transmission processes, it is necessary to prevent power frequency resonance and regularly monitor power equipment to ensure the stable operation of the power system. This invention designs a cantilever beam-type multi-tunnel rolling triboelectric nanogenerator structure to collect the kinetic energy generated by power frequency resonance in transformers within a power system. The structure is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0030] The cantilever beam RTENG can efficiently convert the mechanical kinetic energy generated by transformer vibration into electrical energy, and achieve regulated output of electrical energy through integrated energy management circuitry, thereby providing a continuous and stable power supply to the back-end sensor nodes. Figure 5This demonstrates how adjusting the length of the cantilever beam to optimize the resonance conditions between the energy harvesting device and the transformer, while the transformer vibrates at a frequency of 50Hz, can yield the best electrical output characteristic curve. Through a continuous energy harvesting process, electrical energy is regulated and stabilized by the energy management circuit, ultimately generating a stable voltage at the output port (e.g., ...). Figure 6 As shown, it provides reliable power support for the backend monitoring sensor nodes.

[0031] (4) Wireless Transmission Monitoring System - APP Development

[0032] Figure 7 This invention showcases an app interface for a wireless sensor monitoring node with digital temperature measurement and a three-axis accelerometer. The sensor node features long-distance wireless transmission and can transmit monitoring data to a LoRa communication module via serial communication. The uploaded data is then displayed through a monitoring system such as the app. This invention utilizes HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to collaboratively develop "Sensor Node Monitoring." HTML is used for structuring content, building the view layer, and combining with JavaScript to implement dynamic content loading. JavaScript is used to handle backend logic, user interface logic, and API implementation. CSS is responsible for the app's interface styling, layout, and responsive design. "Sensor Node Monitoring" effectively performs data reception and display tasks and can save data for a specified time period. The app can simultaneously monitor nine sensor nodes, and uploaded sensor data can be stored locally for users to view at any time.

[0033] This invention addresses the common power frequency resonance phenomenon in power systems by designing a cantilever beam-type multi-tunnel rolling triboelectric nanogenerator. This generator effectively extracts and stores electrical energy from power frequency resonance, providing reliable power support for sensor nodes. At a vibration frequency of 50Hz, the device achieves a maximum power density of 0.59 μW / cm³. The developed energy harvesting circuit has the capability to store energy and generate a 3.7V voltage to power the sensor nodes. The sensor nodes can monitor the transformer's operating status in real time, uploading and saving the monitored data to an app, which users can view via a remote control interface. Results show that this system effectively harvests transformer vibration energy, achieves autonomous power supply, and remotely monitors the transformer's operating status, effectively promoting the development of smart grids.

[0034] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0035] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A device for harvesting power frequency resonant energy from transformers in a power system, characterized in that, The cantilever beam and its support are fixed on a sliding track. One end of the cantilever beam is fixed to a non-sliding rear support, while the other end hangs freely. A multi-tunnel rolling structure friction nanogenerator is provided at the free hanging end. The other support can slide freely back and forth on the track to adjust the effective length of the cantilever beam. The cantilever beam generates periodic displacement through vibrational interaction with the transformer; under the excitation of the transformer's power frequency resonance, the cantilever beam vibrates, producing minute displacements and deformations, thereby triggering friction to generate electrical energy.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-tunnel rolling structure triboelectric nanogenerator consists of three parts: upper and lower electrode plates located above and below the multi-tunnel, the tunnel, and the friction ball. During vibration, the friction ball comes into contact with the copper foil at both ends, causing the charge to move and thus generating electrical energy.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper and lower PCB plates are PCB plates plated with copper electrodes; the tunnel is a PLA tunnel; and the friction balls are PTFE friction balls.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vibration operating frequency of the multi-tunnel rolling structure triboelectric nanogenerator is the power frequency resonant frequency.

5. A method for harvesting power frequency resonant energy from transformers in a power system, characterized in that, The apparatus described in any one of claims 1-4 is used.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electrical energy is regulated and stabilized by the energy management circuit, generating a stable voltage at the output port to provide power support for the downstream monitoring sensor nodes.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a monitoring system, in which the sensor nodes have wireless long-distance transmission capabilities and can transmit monitoring data to the LoRa communication module via serial communication, and finally display the uploaded data through the monitoring system.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The monitoring system includes nine sensor nodes, which can save data for a specified period of time and allow users to view it at any time.